Hanover-Caroline Soil & Water Conservation District Agricultural Projects

Pamunkey Farm Project Conservation Efforts Yield Results

A photo of the section of Pamunkey River that the farm lies on.

After many years of hard work, one of the most comprehensive state farm projects is drawing to a close.  The Pamunkey Farm Cooperative Venture Project, initiated by the state Department of Corrections in 2005 and overseen by Farm Manager Bob Williamson, has brought together local, state and federal natural resource agencies in an effort to restore water quality on an 1,800-acre active ranching operation.  The Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District along with assistance from the VA Department of Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Department of Game and Inland Fisheries helped to design and implement a comprehensive grazing management system, wetlands and riparian restoration plan for the farm.  Grant funds secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation have restored over 7 miles of streams, 500 acres of riparian buffers and forestland, and 7.5 acres of non-tidal wetlands along the banks of the Pamunkey River in Historic Hanover County. 

Not only will the state farm be a showplace for water quality restoration efforts, but a demonstration site for rotational grazing and alternative water sources for livestock.  The project features spring developments that capture water from natural underground springs for use in watering cattle.  In fact, one spring development used in this project was re-discovered by Pamunkey Farm Manager Bob Williamson and is thought to be around 100 years old.

Upon its successful completion this year, the Pamunkey Farm Cooperative Venture Project will be a future site of farm tours and demonstration projects in the Central VA and greater Richmond Metropolitan Areas. For more information, contact Sharon Conner, District Manager/Conservation Specialist, Hanover-Caroline SWCD P.O. Box 446, Hanover, VA  23069, Phone: (804) 537-5225 ext.109

Before and After Photos

Before - A degraded creek prior to conversion to a wetland.	After - The same wetland area after the cows have been fence out and it is starting to heal itself.  Due to the drought, not much water in wetlands.

Sharon Conner is standing by a more traditional waterer for cattle installed on the lower farm.	An alternative frost-free waterer that was installed.  These are fed by water pumped from the spring development .

A"discovered" spring development on the Pamunkey River that is probably 100 years old.  Instead of reinventing the wheel, we decided to make use of it and use it to provide water to cattle on the lower portion of the farm.	Robert Lewis (NRCS) assisting with the installation of a spring development, which will provide an alternative water source for cattle (rather than drinking from the stream).	Water flowing into the spring box from natural springs after installation.

Before - Field before a cow travel lane was installed.	After - Photo of a travel lane for cattle, allowing them to have constant access to water, making it easier to move cattle from field to field while not tearing up pastures.	After - A hardened stream crossing for cattle.  Due to the drought, a stream that normally runs year-round had dried up

Before - an area damaged by Hurricane Gaston along a tributary to the Pamunkey River.	After - the same area after a critical area stabilization along a tributary to the Pamunkey River.	After - the same area with subsequent tree planting.